VSHD Design plays with natural materials and ample light for The Burj Residence

May 14, 2019

VSHD Design’s latest residential project is located in one of Dubai’s busiest residential neighbourhoods and surrounded by many low rise houses.

The client requested a design that ensures the highest level of privacy and allows for the construction of a 1600sqm house on a relatively small sized plot. He has also requested for a certain level of grandeur with a great deal of natural light.

VSHD Design accordingly envisioned an L-Shaped house called The Burj Residence that looks into the inside of the plot where the family can enjoy the pool and the lush garden area while maintaining their privacy. The entry experience starts at the boundary wall making the most out of the plot size. A timber overhang was used to complete the geometry of the “L” and to give privacy to the internal corridor from the street side.

Timber screens that slide along the parameter of internal facade were introduced to filter light and create a complex play of light and shadow

One of the challenges was the definition of grandeur. In a region where grandeur is still widely expected to be shiny with lots of glitters, a mood of grandeur needed to be created, a magnificent space minus all the usual glitter. A space that one would normally experience in museums and grand galleries.This kind of grandiosity could only be achieved through mastering proportions, the use of natural materials, and ample light.

Accordingly, scale was key in this project where all the openings were fitted with doors and windows that reach the ceiling level giving all these objects a powerful presence and allowing for ample natural light.

The dining room is a double height space with a grand gallery feel

The internal L outline is transparent with large spans of sliding glass doors. The large glass panels have a slim linear profile creating a seamless boundary between the outdoors and the indoors. This opens up the house to a view of the pool and garden and creates a visual link between all the living spaces.